Abstract: Methods and systems for use in automating or assisting umpiring of a baseball or softball game are described herein. A location of a strike zone is determined based on video images of a batter standing next to home plate captured by a camera. Locations of a ball traveling towards the batter, and locations of the bat being held by the batter, are autonomously tracked using computer vision based on video images captured by at least two cameras having different positions. Additionally, there are autonomous determinations of whether a location of the ball intersects with the strike zone, and whether the batter made a genuine attempt to swing the bat at the ball, and based one at least one of these determinations, there is an autonomous determination of whether a “strike” or a “ball” occurred. Additionally, an indication of whether a “strike” or a “ball” occurred is autonomously output.

Abstract: A custom-fitted helmet and a method of making the same can comprise, at a first location, obtaining head data for a customer's head comprising a length, a width, and at least one head contour. With at least one processor, generating a computerized three-dimensional (3D) headform matching the customer's head length, width, and head contour from the head data. The 3D headform can be compared to a helmet safety standard. At a second location different from the first location, a custom-fitted helmet based on the 3D headform can be formed, wherein the custom-fitted helmet satisfies the safety standard and comprises an inner surface comprising a topography that conforms to the length, width, and at least one contour of the customer's head. The first location can be a home or a store. Obtaining the head data from photographic images of a deformable interface member disposed on the customer's head.

Abstract: A system for dynamically tracking and indicating a path of an object comprises an object position system for generating three-dimensional object position data comprising an object trajectory, a software element for receiving the three-dimensional object position data, the software element also for determining whether the three-dimensional object position data indicates that an object has exceeded a boundary, and a graphics system for displaying the object trajectory.

Abstract: Kaveman Golfe Systems is a golf-like game incorporating the use of a newly designed baseball-style club in addition to newly designed golf clubs for advancing a game ball about a golf-style course. The golf and baseball hybrid game may be played using newly designed golf balls which are larger in size than a standard sized golf ball. The game may further include a newly designed baseball tee for vertically supporting the golf and baseball hybrid game ball to be struck by a player using a baseball-style swing. The clubs, balls, and tees may be stored in a specially designed golf bag.

Abstract: Arena Baseball Game system method of play includes base excessive force, no collision contact slide zones and describes a protective helmet apparatus for use by baseball fielders. The protective sport television or radio audio device means of communication equipped with display, GPS, infrared scan and sensors to monitor performance and physiological parameters. In operation one or more infrared sensor sits against skin of a user to measure his or her heart rate. In response to oscillation translation and/or rotation of the electronic sport device, portions of forces induced by the mass are transferred to the piezoelectric elements. Electrical energy output by these piezoelectric elements is received in a power controller and can be applied to the battery as self charging.

Abstract: The invention is an improved baseball game which reduces the time of play by having the participants start each at bat with two balls and two strikes, and which replaces the runs scored system of scoring with a scoring system that awards points for particular baseball plays and results. By adopting a two-strike rule, the game can be reduced to less than one hour. By reducing the length of time for games, (1) attendees enjoy a reduced game length, (2) more teams can utilize the playing fields (3) the cost for playing each game will be reduced to the extent there are hourly charges for using baseball facilities. By modifying the baseball scoring system from a system that only rewards runs scored to a system that awards points for particular plays, results and sportsmanship, the invention will provide each player with a greater opportunity to influence the outcome of a game.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sports game called Tricket™, which is similar to cricket with a set of rules that include three teams, each team having six players and an optional seventh player; a cricket field where Tricket™ is played; at least two umpires; and scoring rules wherein points are given to bowlers and fielders as well as batters.

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for determining parameters of a contact between bodies occurring within an activity. A digital camera directed towards a target area during the activity captures image frames including infra red image data. Structure for comparing image data for multiple temporally spaced frames with image data of a reference datum records any localized infra red emission appearing in at least one incident frame. The image data for at least one of the incident frames is analyzed to determine at least one parameter of the contact, and the image data for the incident frame is recorded. Visual display means displays the incident frames including the image data in the IR spectrum to enable visual inspection of the activity in the target area at the time of the incident frame and that gave rise to the contact producing the infra red emission.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for a sports game involving movement of a projectile, the apparatus comprising impact sensors for detecting impacts by a player of the sport game or the projectile, the impact sensors being coupled to a processor operable to derive characteristic data for a projectile movement from impacts detected by two or more of the player impact sensors. By monitoring impacts, rather than the movement of the projectile through the air, the apparatus may be both inexpensive and easy to install.

Abstract: The invention presents a novel method of playing cricket in which, two teams play each other in a game with each team playing two innings in one match, with a total specified maximum number of overs from about thirty overs to about sixty overs for each team across both their innings. Further, each team can choose to play any number of overs between a specified number of minimum and maximum overs for its first innings and the balance of the total number of overs as its second innings. These and other variations and preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in the detailed application and the claims thereof The new method will enable a much more tactically complex and well balanced form of the game to be played, yet within a time period of up to a day adding to spectator and player interest and commercial value.

Abstract: A video game player can control the movement of a moving object in a video game during a moving object dispatch operation by a character, thereby allowing the video game player to experience nervousness and a sense of realism when causing the character to dispatch the moving object. This video game program includes a first request receiving function, a operation display function, a second request receiving function, a moving object control function, and a moving object display function. In the video game implemented with this program, a dispatch request for dispatching the moving object is received from the controller in the second request receiving function when the dispatch operation of the character is displayed on the monitor. According to the timing at which the second request receiving function received the dispatch request, the movement of the moving object is controlled in the moving object control function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for a batter to position a ball for hitting and therefore provides a method for playing the game of baseball without a pitcher. The ball is slidingly engaged with the baseball bat such that the baseball bat hitting end is inserted through a bore through the ball, the ball can be tossed into the air in front of the batter with a flipping motion of the bat, and the batter can strike the ball with a batting motion to deliver the ball into the field of play.

Abstract: A baseball glove with integrated illumination means and circuitry that can control the pattern and timing of the illumination means to produce a lightshow. The lightshow may be triggered by the glove catching a ball, or by a separate switch. Optionally, the lightshow may be accompanied by audio signals.

Abstract: A unique playing field and method of playing extreme baseball, a game of traditional baseball modified by rules to allow two teams to play at the same time on the same field, is disclosed.

Abstract: A recorded complete baseball game is condensed into about fifteen minutes of action. All of the at-bat appearances of the players, in turn, are recorded, and then the recorded game is edited to leave only the last pitch thrown to each player, plus any action ensuing after that pitch and any attempts of runners to advance to another base and any other outs, such a runner as being picked off base. Then the recorded edited game is presented to viewers as a condensed game. The condensed game can be presented to subscribers over the Internet, or may be presented on film or as a video recording.

Abstract: Arena Baseball Game is disclosed, involving substantially the same rules as American baseball (e.g., MLB or NCAA) except that balls may be deflected back onto the playing field as a playable ball by a rebounding assembly that surrounds the arena infield. Apparatus for playing an indoor ball game derived from baseball comprises a netting backstop and monster home run wall. The arena has a playing area surrounded by wall means such as padded walls and spectator protective side netting. A baseball-like game played within an enclosed facility, wherein the game rules and facility are designed for fast paced action.

Abstract: A protective screen for use with a pitching machine. The pitching machine for pitching balls. The protective screen having a passageway defined there-through for permitting a ball to be pitched by the pitching machine there-through. The protective screen having a door configured for opening and closing in concert with the pitching of balls so as to open to permit a ball to be pitched there-through but automatically closed right there-behind to protect the operator of the pitching machine from injury due to a batted ball.

Abstract: This invention is a portable playing field for a plastic ball and bat game that can be easily set up in the backyard, park or beach, be used indoors or outdoors and professionally or a non-competitive environment. Hit markers automatically determine singles, doubles, triples and homeruns. The strike zone automatically determines if the pitch is a strike or ball. No bases are used so the game can be played with as few as 1 or 2-10 players. The field is adjustable to accommodate playing area or player use needs. A miniature size can also be used as a “table top” game that includes release buttons to pitch the ball and for the player to swing the bat.

Abstract: A lightweight backstop, equipment set, method of defining a playing field and method of playing a baseball related game is provided. The invention integrates a ball stopping backstop, attached strike zone, foul line ropes and base hit markers with methods and means for defining and marking a playing field scaled to the size and number of players. A separate strike zone is attached to the backstop by means allowing the players to quickly change the vertical position of the strike zone and acoustical responses generated by balls hitting the strike zone. Players may also adjust the sound generated by balls missing the strike zone, but striking the backstop net. One embodiment of the disclosed game eliminates base running and ball throwing near batters after the ball has been struck. The entire equipment set is light weight, easy to move, and simple to assemble.

Abstract: An improved baseball game reduces idle time between successive pitches by having two pitchers pitch sequential pitches to two batters. The pitchers are stationed at two spaced pitching mounds on one playing field and the batters are positioned in spaced batters boxes, each with an associated batter's plate.

Abstract: A recorded complete baseball game is condensed into about fifteen minutes of action. All of the at-bat appearances of the players, in turn, are recorded, and then the recorded game is edited to leave only the last pitch thrown to each player, plus any action ensuing after that pitch and any attempts of runners to advance to another base and any other outs, such a runner as being picked off base. Then the recorded edited game is presented to viewers as a condensed game. The condensed game can be presented to subscribers over the Internet, or may be presented on film or as a video recording.

Abstract: A system for measuring the distance traveled by bodies in flight during sports events, the bodies executing trajectories having a common predetermined take-off area, and a variable landing point within a landing surface. The system includes a fixed image acquisition device positioned at a predetermined distance from the take-off area for acquiring the image of the landing surface, a recorder for recording the landing surface image at least from the moment of initiation of the flight to completion of the flight, an identifying device for identifying a landing point of the body within the landing surface, and a calculating device for calculating the distance of the landing point from the take-off area.

Abstract: The invention provides an organized game of baseball carried out under traditional rules of play modified such that a player at bat who is given a base-on-balls can choose to either take the base or remain at bat for additional pitches while a replacement runner takes the base. Replacement runners can be selected in a predetermined line-up order or in random order from the bench or from the active roster. Optionally, certain restrictions may be provided to control or limit how often replacement runners can be used by a team in a given inning and/or game.

Abstract: A safety device that allows a baseball spectator to return a foul ball without interrupting the game or risking injury to a player or an umpire, made up of a basket that attaches to the spectators' side of a backstop. The basket has an opening through which a spectator can insert a retrieved foul ball and has a flapped opening through which an umpire can collect the ball as needed.

Abstract: A safety device that allows a baseball spectator to return a foul ball without interrupting the game or risking injury to a player or an umpire, made up of a basket that attaches to the spectators' side of a backstop. The basket has an opening through which a spectator can insert a retrieved foul ball and has a flapped opening through which an umpire can collect the ball as needed.

Abstract: Fungo baseball is a competitive sport derived from a modified form of regular American style baseball. In fungo baseball the position of a pitcher as a defensive player throwing baseballs to a catcher at home plate for opposition batters to try to hit has been eliminated. Instead, batters standing in regular baseball playing field batters' boxes, put baseballs in play by hitting fungoes, preferably using fungo style bats. Fungo hits are baseballs tossed a few feet in the air by batters and hit with their bats when the baseballs are on their way down.

Abstract: A recorded complete baseball game is condensed into about fifteen minutes of action. All of the at-bat appearances of the players, in turn, are recorded, and then the recorded game is edited to leave only the last pitch thrown to each player, plus any action ensuing after that pitch and any attempts of runners to advance to another base and any other outs, such a runner as being picked off base. Then the recorded edited game is presented to viewers as a condensed game. The condensed game can be presented to subscribers over the Internet, or may be presented on film or as a video recording.

Abstract: A new game is disclosed, involving objectives similar to American baseball but with equipment and rules of play tailored for young children. In this new game, there is a bat and a ball that is hit off a tee. The boundaries on the playing field are defined as a right boundary, which is a visual line between teebase and the base placed in a position similar to that of first base on a regular baseball field and a left boundary, which is a visual line between teebase and a boundary marker placed in a position angled to the left of teebase and selected according to the number and skill level of the players. There is only one base and when a batter hits the ball off the tee, he runs to a base placed on the right boundary. The base includes an air bladder that is connected to a sound generating device to produce a sound when the base is stepped on.

Abstract: A sponge ball game system including a playing field with a plate having a front edge and parallel side edges and angled rear edges. The playing field includes linear foul lines with arcuate lines therebetween. The arcuate lines include a pitching/base hit line, a double line and a home run line. The field also has two rectangular batting boxes on opposite sides of the plate.

Abstract: A breakaway safety base for use in baseball, softball, and other athletic base running games generally comprises a plate of metal or other suitable material, which is permanently secured to the underside of the base. The plate has a periphery with a plurality of downwardly turned edges, which engage the underlying ground. Generally vertical force on the base, as by a fielder or runner stepping on the base, results in the edges engaging the underlying surface more firmly, thereby resisting lateral displacement of the base. However, generally horizontal force on the base, as by a runner sliding into the base, allows the base to be horizontally displaced. This horizontal displacement of the base precludes any serious injury to the sliding base runner. The present breakaway safety base does not require any permanent anchor or other mating component to be permanently set or driven into the surface, thereby allowing the present safety base to be used to define any desirable base paths in any suitable playing field.

Abstract: A ball propelling and batting apparatus includes a pair of lines, a pair of handles, a ball, a bat with a hitting portion having a flat longitudinal surface, an attachment member and stoppers. The handles are attached to first ends of the lines. The ball is mounted to the lines for undergoing sliding movement therealong when the lines are pulled laterally away from one another. The bat is swung so that the flat surface moves parallel to the lines to bring the bat into proper contact the ball. The attachment member fastens second ends of the lines to an anchor. The stoppers are attached to the handles such that the ball sliding along the lines is prevented from contacting the handles. The ball can have an outer shell defining a hollow interior chamber and a plurality of holes and tubular inserts securely fitted through a pair of opposite aligned ones of the holes and receiving the lines therethrough.